Joshua 23:14

Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know with all your heart and soul that not one of the good promises the LORD your God made to you has failed. Everything was fulfilled for you; not one promise has failed.

Study Bible

Now behold
This phrase serves as a call to attention, urging the listener to focus on the important message that follows. In the Hebrew text, the word "behold" is often used to emphasize the significance of what is being said. It is a moment of transition, where Joshua, the leader of Israel, is about to impart crucial wisdom and reflection. This is a common biblical technique to ensure the audience is fully engaged with the gravity of the message.

today
The use of "today" underscores the immediacy and relevance of Joshua's message. It is not just a historical account but a living word meant to resonate with the audience in their present moment. This temporal marker reminds us that God's promises and truths are always applicable, transcending time and space.

I am going the way of all the earth
This phrase is a poetic expression of mortality, acknowledging that Joshua, like all humans, is subject to death. The Hebrew idiom "the way of all the earth" reflects a deep understanding of the human condition and the natural order established by God. It is a humbling reminder of the transient nature of life and the importance of fulfilling one's divine purpose while on earth.

and you know
Joshua appeals to the collective knowledge and experience of the Israelites. The phrase suggests a shared understanding and acknowledgment of God's faithfulness. It is a call to remember and reflect on their journey and the divine interventions they have witnessed. This communal knowledge serves as a foundation for their faith and obedience.

in your hearts and souls
This expression emphasizes the depth of understanding and conviction that Joshua expects from the Israelites. The heart and soul represent the core of a person's being in Hebrew thought, encompassing emotions, intellect, and will. Joshua is urging the people to internalize the truth of God's faithfulness, making it an integral part of their identity and guiding their actions.

that not one word has failed
Here, Joshua highlights the absolute reliability and truthfulness of God's promises. The phrase "not one word has failed" is a testament to God's perfect faithfulness and the fulfillment of His covenant. It reassures the Israelites that God's word is unchanging and trustworthy, providing a solid foundation for their faith.

of all the good things
This phrase refers to the blessings and promises that God has bestowed upon Israel. The "good things" encompass the land, prosperity, protection, and divine favor that the Israelites have experienced. It is a reminder of God's generosity and the abundance that comes from living in accordance with His will.

the LORD your God promised concerning you
This final phrase reaffirms the personal and covenantal relationship between God and the Israelites. The use of "the LORD your God" emphasizes God's sovereignty and the special bond He has with His chosen people. The promises are not abstract or distant; they are specific and personal, given by a loving and faithful God who is deeply invested in the well-being of His people. This relationship is the cornerstone of Israel's identity and mission.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of Israel after Moses, who led the Israelites into the Promised Land. In this chapter, he is giving his farewell address to the people of Israel.

2. Israel
The nation chosen by God, consisting of the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They are the recipients of God's promises and the audience of Joshua's address.

3. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham. Joshua led the Israelites in conquering this land.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who made promises to the patriarchs and fulfilled them through the leadership of Joshua.

5. The Covenant
The agreement between God and Israel, which included promises of land, blessing, and relationship, contingent upon Israel's obedience.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness
Reflect on the absolute reliability of God's promises. Just as He fulfilled His word to Israel, He will fulfill His promises to us today.

The Importance of Remembrance
Like Israel, we should remember and recount God's faithfulness in our lives, which strengthens our faith and trust in Him.

Living with Assurance
Knowing that God is faithful should give us confidence and peace in our daily lives, encouraging us to live boldly for Him.

The Call to Obedience
God's faithfulness to His promises calls us to respond with obedience and faithfulness in our relationship with Him.

The Reality of Mortality
Joshua's acknowledgment of his impending death reminds us of the brevity of life and the importance of living with purpose and dedication to God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joshua's testimony of God's faithfulness in Joshua 23:14 encourage you in your current circumstances?

2. In what ways can you actively remember and recount God's faithfulness in your life, similar to how Joshua reminded Israel?

3. How does the assurance of God's fulfilled promises in the past influence your trust in His promises for the future?

4. What steps can you take to ensure that your life reflects obedience and faithfulness to God, in response to His unwavering faithfulness?

5. How can the reality of life's brevity, as acknowledged by Joshua, motivate you to live with greater purpose and alignment with God's will?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 7:9
This verse emphasizes God's faithfulness to His covenant and lovingkindness to those who love Him and keep His commandments, reinforcing the theme of God's unfailing promises.

1 Kings 8:56
Solomon's prayer acknowledges that not one word of God's good promise has failed, echoing Joshua's declaration of God's faithfulness.

Hebrews 10:23
This New Testament verse encourages believers to hold fast to the hope they profess because God is faithful, connecting the faithfulness of God in Joshua's time to the faithfulness experienced by Christians.